walking

Jo’s Monday walk : Strolling in Kraków

I don’t know of a more beautiful city than Kraków for strolling in the sunshine. The last time I brought you here it was cool and drizzly, and I took refuge in the city walls. No such concern today. I hop off the tram on Św. Gertrudy, a nice central location, and let my fancy take control.

Crossing the Planty into Dominikanska, it’s almost automatic to gravitate towards the Rynek. The ethereal turrets of the Sukiennice, and the glittering jewels within, exert a mighty pull. But I spy a tiny Poczta- the very thing I’m needing to send my postcard winging its way to Viveka in Sweden. I have a wonderful collection growing as a result of that lovely lady’s travels.

Grodska is often thronged with tourists, but I saunter along this peaceful morning, without needing to sidestep into the road. No horse and carriages huffing and snorting down my neck. They are queued, waiting sedately in the square.

Rynek Główny is beautiful. At any hour of the day, coffee can be indulged at your restaurant of choice . Some customers gaze raptly out at the Ratusz. Others, more blase, focus on stirring in their grains of sugar. I’ve wandered here many times, but still make fresh discoveries.

I do have a tendency to poke my nose in where it shouldn’t be, often in all innocence. When I come upon the entrance to the Krzysztofory Museum, on the Rynek, I am delighted to observe that it is free to visitors on Tuesdays. I gently push on the glass door and step into the museum shop. Through an archway a receptionist sits, busy behind her desk. Uttering a polite ‘Dzień dobry’, I walk past, and am presented with a mighty flight of red-carpeted steps. Up I go, of course.

On the landing, I am confronted by knights in armour with a huge display of weaponry. Not much to my taste, but as I step through the doorway I find something that truly is. Aren’t these ceilings exquisite?

I am in a huge room, with chairs set out at one end, as if expecting a meeting. As I gaze at my surroundings, a voice says ‘Prosze, Pani?’ A lady is regarding me with some misgivings. I struggle to find an appropriate response in Polish. Sweeping briskly into the room, she states that the museum is ‘otwarty’- closed! Nothing to do but mumble an apology, and retreat.

Back in the sunshine, I continue my quest, delighting in the architecture. A bearded elderly gentleman, with twinkly eyes, offers to take a photo of me in his beautiful city. I decline in my faltering Polish, but with a smile on my face.

With museums still in mind, I continue along Św. Jana, hoping to find that the restoration of the Czartoryskich is complete, but my luck has run out. Instead I gaze at the paintings, suspended on the old city walls, along Pijarska. I’m charmed by one of them but, at 1200 zl, decide to leave it where it is. I take an inviting seat beneath the walls, outside Stare Mury, for coffee with a view.

The menu is full of temptation, but this is just a pause to enjoy the sunshine. I smile as a crocodile of ‘malutki’, small children, are shepherded by, in the diligent care of elderly nuns. Soon I am off again, heading down Szpitalna, past the highly ornate Słowackiego theatre. This brings me to Mały Rynek and Plac Mariacki, in the shadow of the magnificent church. I am just in time to catch the end of a folk performance.

Are you still with me? It’s such a glorious day that I have it in mind to head for the river, and maybe a glass of wine. Crossing the Rynek, I head south on Wiślna till I rejoin the leafy green Planty, which surrounds the oldest part of the city. An exhibition dedicated to Kraków Stolicą Bożego Miłosierdzia- the capital of Divine Mercy- accompanies my progress. The Pope is revered in this city.

I hadn’t intended to walk through the Castle grounds, but Wawel on a day like this is well nigh irresistible. I head down to the river, far below.

I think we’ll sit awhile. Don’t you? Afterwards I saunter homewards, luxuriating in a vanilla and chocolate icecream cone. I hope I haven’t worn you out too much? You can take your time and sit as long as you like. It’s a beautiful place.

Thanks everybody, for your continued support and company. I hope you enjoy my walks as much as I enjoy sharing them with you. If you’d like to join in at any time, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above. And now, let’s put the kettle on and get reading.

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Up in those Welsh Mountains to start us off, with Lady Lee Manila :

Snowdon

Where’s Jackie this week? Surrounded by art and design :

Monday Walk

Susan shows us more of the fascinating Ukraine :

Walking Kherson

Smidge is bagging Munros with some beautiful views :

Ben Lomond & the Ptarmigan Ridge

Laia’s been having fun with a brand new website. Go and take a look!

La Boca : exploring the hidden world beyond Caminito

Is Liesbet trying to confuse me? It doesn’t take much!

Walk through Luik/Liege/Luttich in Belgium

Or explore some beautiful coves, just along the coast from Marseilles :

Cote Bleue (Blue Coast)- Calanques Part 1

Anabel’s close to home again, on the lovely Northumberland coast :

Bamburgh Castle

You can never tire of seeing THAT Bay swaddled in clouds :

4 Hours in San Francisco

Have you got your mantilla and castanets ready? Debbie’s taking us on a whirlwind Spanish tour :

Alphabetical Tour of Spain

Some people can’t help being contrary, can they? Mick says I should know, Becky!

Our advice is to walk it the other way round

Rosemay reminds us just why I used to love the Italian Lakes. I still do!

A Walk to Villa del Balbianello

And finally, Susan finds some wonderful, and quirky, green space in the city :

The High Line : NYC’s Elevated Park

Wonderful, aren’t they? That’s it for another week. I have one more Polish walk to share, of a slightly different nature. Come along if you can. Meantime, have a great week and take good care of yourselves.

Jo’s Monday walk : Bełchatów

I may have misled some of you, but I’m staying in Central Poland for this week’s walk. I expanded on a little of the family saga last week in Zawady, the village where Dad was born. Today we’re taking a stroll around Bełchatów, the county town, some 7kms and a bus ride away.

B is for Bełchatów covers much of the town’s history, so we can simply concentrate on how the place looks today. (Bew-ha-toof is very roughly how it’s pronounced) The Tourist Information office is small but friendly, and perfectly placed for our start, on Ul. T. Kościuszki. Ignoring the map in my hand, I’m drawn to a passage beside the TI, with a glimpse of green space beyond. I follow it and find myself in rather a nice park.

I cross the bridge over the lake and notice a canal leading off through the park. The imposing building in my opening shot proves to be Muzeum Regionalne, a late Baroque listed manor. I wonder about its contents, but my curiosity about the water is greater. I follow it, out beyond the park. On the map it’s shown as Rakówka, and Olszewski Park.

I wander a little way to see where it leads but, when it seems I’m getting too far from the centre, I double back through the houses. A street corner church thankfully looks familiar, and I’m back at the junction of 9 Maja and Kościuszki.

I look at the signs on shops for clues as to what I might buy there, hoping to purchase a few small gifts for the family. My niece Ania and husband Hubert are shopping at the new shopping gallery and Tesco’s, but this has little appeal for me. I prefer the more traditional shops, but they can be a little mystifying. I’ve come full circle now and am back at the museum.

Opposite the TI stands Kościół Narodzenia, the church where Ania and Hubert were married. I remember it as being very beautiful inside.

Beside the church, a new addition, Park Narutowicza, provides entertainment with it’s ever changing fountains. And a little street art, too.

From being a beautiful balmy day, the sky has begun to darken, exactly as the forecast had indicated. I look for shelter, just in case, and am drawn to a sign, ‘Giganty Mocy’. Not at all sure what I’ll find, in I go. The gallery space is a revelation.

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The rain is spotting when I come out again. A nearby florist provides the first of my presents, and I pause to read the synagogue sign. I backtrack a little way to a small indoor shopping centre, where chocolates and brandy are easily purchased.

The sky gets blacker and the rain starts to bounce. People scurry for cover. Nothing for it but to seek shelter until Ania and Hubert have finished their shopping expedition. ‘Degustacja’ meets my requirements perfectly. There’s cake, of course!

Bełchatów has become a big town, with numerous housing estates, largely due to the proximity of the power station. My walk today centres on the older part of town, and nearby there’s also a huge outdoor market. I think it’s fairly typical of many Polish towns.

This website will give you a few facts about the area, including my recently featured Zbiornik Wawrzkowniza. I have one more small town to show you before heading south to Kraków. I hope you’ve enjoyed the series and can come along with me. Meantime, coffee, I think. Don’t you?

Many thanks to all my contributors this week, and to my readers too. As always, there are some great walks featured below. If you’d like to join me, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo.

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I remember Peebles covered in snow and freezing! Lovely to see it through Smidge’s eyes :

The Tweed Valley and Neidpath Castle, Peebles

Jackie goes into a little history of an art form :

Tattooed

Roll up! Roll up! Get your tickets here!

T is for Theatreland#atozchallenge

Becky reminds me just how beautiful the Algarve can be in Springtime :

A quick stroll near Olhao da Restauracao

While Jude is having such a fine time in Cornwall! Almost makes you want to move :

Walking around Trencrom

I am in awe of this lady! Tish, doing ‘qi gong’, surrounded by dappled lushness. Wouldn’t you want to be there?

The power of green and dappled sunlight this morning on the Linden Walk

From nature to architecture, with Jaspa :

The remarkable houses of Bello and Reborati, Montevideo, Uruguay

Do be careful Drake’s green-eyed monster doesn’t get you!

Airborne walk

And please help Esther up the hill, should you see her struggling :

Misty Morning Walk

Pauline gives us lots of reasons to visit Brisbane, and even goes interactive!

Final few hours in Brisbane

I knew about Dumbo in NYC, but I had no idea about this wonderful walk :

Brooklyn Bridge Park

I’m rounding off with a blog that’s new to me, but a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Great photos, too :

Wye Valley: Symonds Yat Circular

That’s it for another week. The weather here has turned dreary, but that’s Bank Holidays for you. I have much catching up to do. See you soon, and happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Zawady

In total contrast to my last, extremely urban walk in the city of Łódź, I’m taking you out into the Polish countryside today. I’m going right back to where my Polish story began, in the village of Zawady, around 60kms south of the big city. It’s a different world! Dad was born in this village, more than 88 years ago.

As you can imagine, changes have taken place, but not too many. The original farmstead is still there, but much of the land has been divided up between the family. The photo above is the view I woke up to from my bedroom, on my first day back in the village. Early morning mist burnt off to a beautiful day, and it was time to feed the week old ducklings.

I had been staying in the suburbs of Kraków, so the difference was considerable. The daughter of a farmer, with memories of driving the tractor with her Dad, Zygmunt, when she was young, my cousin Jadwiga loves her garden. But growing vegetables and keeping hens has to come second to her day job, and more especially to her dearly loved grandchildren. They are seldom far away, as daughter Ania lives in a self build bungalow within the grounds. Meet Kinga and Nadia, with mum, Ania, and Babcia, Jadzia.

For those of you who might have wondered, ‘what is Poland like?’ let’s slide the gate open, and we’ll step outside and see. Poland is a big country and land is cheap. It’s not uncommon to see ‘land for sale’ signs in the woods that surround most villages.

The houses vary considerably, some still old farmhouses, others in a far more modern style. I peep over the fence at the pond which once belonged to Aunt Lusia. Now her daughter Graźyna and husband Marek have built a home there, among the cherry trees.

You don’t have to walk far before you’re at the end of the village, and the woods beyond. I retrace my steps, on the other side of the road this time, passing by cousin Marysia’s beautifully modern home, and a sign that cautions of the ‘good’ dog that bites!

A crossroads points to Ławy, 1.3kms away, and I am tempted to follow it out into open countryside. But first I need to complete the circuit, back to the main road through the village. These decorated crosses are found on many corners, scattered throughout Poland. Number 16F is Ania and Hubert’s house, and the garden design business she runs from home.

As the sun droops in the sky and the children play out on their bikes, I cast one more look at the cherries, and then head off down the lane.

Don’t worry! I do return, but I wanted to show you the ‘whole’ of Zawady. It’s not very big! I hope you enjoyed meeting the place, and my family.

I’ve decided to link this post to My personal A-Z of Poland, which has been sadly neglected in recent times. Much of what appears there is relevant and will provide good background, for anyone who’s interested. Time to put the kettle on now, for this week’s shares.

Many thanks to all of you who make Mondays a bit special for me. Your support and encouragement sees me through the week. If you have a walk to share and you haven’t joined me yet… well, what’s stopping you? Details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above. You’ll be made more than welcome.

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Let’s start the ball rolling with Laura, in Costa Brava’s wild spaces this week :

A taste of salt and honey

Pauline treats us to a glimpse of an Eye, through floral abundance :

A Walk through sunny Southbank, Brisbane

Hop off your bike and take a walk in equally sunny California!

My weekly ramble- John Nicholas Trail

Yvette has her own unique and stylish way of doing things :

Jubilant Walk with Jo (Nature Day 1)

And you know that Drake does too! Welcome to Kayserberg :

Home sweet home

Geoff spent his April engrossed in a challenge. King’s Cross? Well, he might be!

X is for Crosses#atozchallenge

I don’t often think of hill climbing and Jude in the same sentence, but… she did it!

Conquering Godolphin Hill

Thanks a lot for your company, and for your friendship. I know that this was a very low key walk, but I wanted to share a little more than just a pair of boots. In the coming weeks I hope to give you a flavour of Poland, seen through my eyes. Take good care, and enjoy your walking!

I almost forgot my good friends over at Monday Escapes. Maybe something for the Bank Holiday weekend?

Jo’s Monday walk: Mertola

In a week or so of very mixed weather, we drove north from the Algarve in radiant sunshine. I was certain that luck would desert us as we crossed the border into the Alentejo. For a little while hazy clouds veiled the sun, but then Mertola was displayed in all her glory.

If ever you want to step back into Portugal’s Moorish past, this is a fine place to do it. I don’t intend to do a lot of talking, partly because I don’t have the time, but also because these cobbled streets cast their own magic. All you really need to do is follow.

Your first sight of the town, as you cross the bridge over Ribeira de Oeiras, is the castelo perched high above you. It’s enough to whet your appetite. There is parking on Estrada de Circunvalacao and from there Alves Redol leads quietly upwards, until you reach the viewing point in the photo above. Below, tables are laid at a riverside restaurant and the Guadiana squirms away into the distance.

On Largo Vasco da Gama, the blue and white of ‘Casa Guadiana’ is tucked into a corner where you melt in summer. Needing to stretch our legs first, we pass by the tiny Mercado and the Tourist Information centre. (where you can acquire a town map) A remarkable walled street invites you to follow it’s contours. Could you decline?

The doors, balconies and mysterious chimneys captivate. Each one a story in itself. I stop to watch a lady shaking and pegging out a tablecloth. And then there’s the beautiful clock tower, Torre do Relogio. Alluring, isn’t it?

Rua Combatentes da Grande Guerra follows the river. Just another clue to the turbulent history reenacted here, in this serene and peaceful setting.

I’ve passed by the Camara Municipal, with its stylish red balconies. Red and ochre compliment the white so well, the shabby blending well with the chique. Turning up Rua Dr. Antonio Jose de Almeida, I am but following my nose, not sure where to look next.

The decision is made for me when I spot this playful graffiti on a peeling wall. Isn’t it beautiful? And on the other side of the narrow street, an elegant vermilion door, with a single flower tucked into the window. Never forget to look up too! Overhead, ornate drain pipes open mouths wide.

Intent on the lovely distractions, almost without realising it you’ve climbed up to the castle walls and are looking down on the Oeiras tributary of the River Guadiana. Time to inject a little history as we approach the castelo and the lovely Igreja Matriz. The Mother Church began life back in the 8th century as a mosque. In 1238, Christian knights conquered the town, led by Santiago ‘Mata Mouros’.(the Moor killer) The Koran was replaced by the Bible, and the mosque converted to Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. A keep was added to the castle, but the church retains its ‘mihrab’ (prayer niche) to this day.

New pathways and landscaped gardens have been added since I was here last, and a huge project is ongoing to excavate the ruins of the town and elaborate mosaics. In May every odd year a Moorish festival takes place in Mertola. I must ensure to attend in 2017 to inspect progress.

I peered with interest at the ruins and promised myself to find the site online when I got home. Here it is. For us it was time to head back down, past Igreja Matriz, and search out somewhere to relax. Ever alert, my other half had noted a cafe at the back of the small Mercado. ‘Cafetaria Manu’ has a tiny terrace overlooking the Guadiana, and you can buy cake or a simple sandwich to accompany an excellent glass of wine.

From the eastern end of the Algarve, Mertola is easily reached on the virtually traffic free IC27, which leads north from Castro Marim. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, and hope that you did too.

This is a scheduled post and I won’t actually be home until Thursday, so I apologise if my responses are a little scanty at first. I didn’t want to leave the gap between walks for too long, and needed to write this while it was fresh in my memory. Thank you all for your lovely company and support. I only have a few shares this week but I’m hoping you’ve been saving them for my return.

As usual, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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I’m starting with a lovely man in Hamburg and an unusual look at life – thanks, Tobias!

U3: Landungsbrucken- St. Pauli

A head for heights will help but is not essential to accompany Anabel, but money could be!

Toronto: an island walk

And Jackie tells me that Chinatown is great for food :

Spadina St

Geoff’s rambling again! I think we should humour him, don’t you?

K is for Kensington and Khelsea #atozchallenge

This next is a bike ride so I’m afraid you’ll have to jog to keep up with Kathrin!

My weekly ramble

Hope this finds you happy and well. I’ll be back in person soon. Roving temporarily suspended….

Jo’s Monday walk : Lambkins and bikes!

Just before I made off for the Algarve I had time to squeeze in one last walk. I’ve been to the North Yorkshire village of Great Ayton many times, and had not really expected to share with you another walk there. 150 photos proved me wrong, and I think you might like to share one or two of them. Who can resist wobbly, white lambs?

I almost didn’t get there because our walk leader’s car was sick, but I bestowed the walk leader badge on my other half, and off we went.

It was a bit fresh, and misty, but with the bunting flapping wildly, we crossed over the narrow bridge and headed up the side street out of the village. More about the bunting later. There’s a sign pointing out a public footpath, which leads between houses and a big hawthorn fence, round past the cricket pitch, over a field and down to a stream. Are you still with me so far? It’s tricky!

This is where you should end up. Cross over the little bridge and you come out into a country lane. More bunting and a bridge with a scruffy sign, pointing to Easby and Kildale. You don’t want either of those options today, so proceed gently uphill past Brookside Farm.

The goose, though handsome, is the honkiest, noisiest creature. The cow, much more placid. At about this point we were joined by a young ex-army man, out looking for fresh air and exercise. Hadn’t he come to just the right place! We chatted pleasantly along the lane. The conversation was of Pisa and travels abroad, and I totally missed the fact that the farm cafe was open. Not like me, at all! The husband was more alert but didn’t point it out till after we’d parted company with our walker friend. We directed him uphill towards Captain Cook’s Monument. A much sterner test for the legs, and one that we declined that day.

The daffs were everywhere, and a sprinkling of primroses too. As we hailed the morning rider, White Cottage came into view, with a stunning fanfare of rhododendron. The crossroads here lead down to Little Ayton, and continue on into Great Ayton itself. Probably the recommended route for strollers but, if you choose to puff and pant uphill, you will find a footpath off to your left. This takes you across a field. If you’ve timed it right, you could be in for a real treat.

I don’t think I ever saw such bright, white, new ones! One of the little fellas had managed to find his way out of the field, and away from the safety of his mother’s side. He was scrambling frantically to find a way back in, while Ma looked on in exasperation. I stood politely and quietly by, holding the gate just a little ajar for him. I didn’t want any adventurous brothers or sisters skipping out to join him. But I need not have worried. With a twitch of his stubby tail, he was under the gate and gone, with barely a backwards glance.

For us, the trail led on, very muddily, over the railway tracks and back down into the village. Where finally all of that bunting was explained.

The Tour de Yorkshire is coming to the village on May 1st, and the villagers were out in force, bedecking and festooning with bunting and bikes.

And I’m not done yet! Past the cascades and along by the river, romantically trailing willows, still there’s more bunting and bikes to see. I think they’re going to have a high old time on 1st May, don’t you? I almost wish I could be there.

As we returned to our car, parked by the riverside, my husband spied a rather lovely magnolia. I couldn’t quite get close enough for a decent shot, but I found a reward of a different kind. A tiny raised gate led into the churchyard beyond. I had stumbled upon James Cook’s childhood church, All Saints, dating from the 12th century. In this lovely spot, his mother and siblings are buried.

If you happen to be in the area on May 1st, Stage 3 of ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ starts in Middlesbrough and races down over our beautiful Moors, ending at Scarborough on the north east coast. Myself, I will be in Poland, but I might just catch a glimpse on the sports news. A map and full details of the route are contained in the links.

I’m glad I managed to fit in this post, not least because it gives me the opportunity to showcase some amazing walks. Where else will you find Korcula, the Shropshire Hills and Katmandu, all on the same page? Please don’t miss any of them. Huge thanks to all my contributors, and to all of you for your patience in my absence.

I’m going to have to take liberties again, because very early on Thursday I’m off to Poland with Dad. I don’t return until 12th May and will have only limited internet access whilst there. If you would like to share a walk in the meantime, you’re very welcome to do so. Details are, as always, on my Jo’s Monday walk page. Just click on the logo above.

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If I had to shortlist places to see before I finally vanish, Hawaii might well be on it. You will enjoy this!

My weekly ramble

And just to totally convince you, Carol’s taking us to a waterfall :

Manoa Falls

Geoff took me to familiar and much loved haunts with this walk :

G is for the Greenwich#atozchallenge

Becky gave me the gentlest of nudges before I set off for the Algarve. Isn’t this walking bliss?

On the trail of Nightingales

Anabel finds the loveliest chateau, and a little bit of mud!

Chatelherault

Shakespearean sonnets make for an interesting garden stroll with Trav Trails :

Sonnets and Flowers

And Jackie is out looking for signs of Spring in Toronto :

A Walk along the Humber

Another walk I’d really love to take for myself one day. Say hello to the folks on this lovely island :

Top Views of Korcula- Walking Route

I love a walk that’s a bit different, and Karen provides exactly that!

The Goods Line

While Gilly takes us for a lunch time romp among the bluebells :

A lunchtime escape

Seriously good ‘value for money’ from Denzil, with a city walk and boat trip too :

How to spend a day in Ghent

A lovely welcome home arrived from Susan. So like one of my own Tavira beach walks :

Rock Walk 2

And what can you say about Tish? An astoundingly beautiful return visit for me, which I thoroughly enjoyed :

Happy Earth Day from the Shropshire Hills, some of the world’s Oldest Rock Formations :

I would not have believed it possible to have so much delight on a homecoming. My cup runneth over, Badfish!

Last Supper in Katmandu

So there we have it, for a couple of weeks. I have some lovely Algarve walks to share with you, but they’ll have to wait for a little while. I might try to schedule a post for May 9th, the Monday before I come home, but it would probably be more sensible to wait until 16th. In the meantime, I will visit and share as much as I can. Do look after yourselves, won’t you? And very happy walking!

Jo’s Monday walk : Back on the beach

Whenever we go walking on our north east England coastline, we keep an idle eye open for sea glass. Usually it’s in milky soft hues, but bottle green and turquoise are not unknown . The little chap above had us well fooled. He’d obviously swum out of a child’s bucket, to twinkle up at us from the beach.

I won’t be walking with you next week, so I’m determined to leave you with some sunny images. Last week was a little glum, wasn’t it?

The other half wanders through the shot, distracting me from getting a level horizon. The one below is better. (and minus my shadow!)

The tide was advancing rapidly that day, and I had to do my famous teetering on rocks act, camera stowed safely in my pocket. Why is it that he has so much better a sense of balance? He kindly came back to hold my hand, or we might never have got there.

It’s a coastline with an industrial past, so the rocks are always interestingly speckled and battered. And there’s the sea glass to enjoy.

Not forgetting the occasional sea monster! There’s one structure that always draws the eye. Rotting timbers and frayed stumps simply add to the appeal of the magnificent remnants of Steetley Magnesite’s pier.

I never tire of shooting it, from all angles. The last shot is a good example of convergence, isn’t it? Sonel pointed one out to me the other day. If you’re looking for photographic skill combined with creativity, hers is a great place to visit.

At this point you have a choice. So long as the tide cooperates you can carry on along the craggy coastline, towards Crimdon Dene.

Sometimes the wind whips up, swirling the sands around you. Click on the last photo in the gallery above and you’ll be able to make out the pier, in the far distance. We’ve walked quite a way. You can continue through the Dene, catching a bus back down the coast road, or you can retrace your steps along the beach.

Eventually you come back to Hartlepool Headland, with it’s proudly standing town walls. It’s been a safe haven for me for many a long year. Look beyond the harbour, and on the horizon you can just make out the industry along Seal Sands Road, where we went seal spotting last week.

On the Headland, Mary Rowntree’s tearooms have a lovely view across the harbour. But I feel I know you well enough to invite you back to mine. I’ll just pop the kettle on. See you soon!

My posting will be haphazard, to say the least, for the next month. I’m deserting this safe haven for my familiar Algarve one, where I usually switch off from the world and its worries. I hope to have another walk for you on Monday, 25th April, but just a few days after that I will be accompanying Dad to Poland for 2 weeks. Another family visit and lots of smiles.

If, in the meantime, you’d like to share a walk, please feel free to do so, but be aware that I might not be able to share it for a while. Many thanks for your continuing support. As usual, the logo above will take you to my Jo’s Monday walk page.

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SO excited to kick off this week with a walk by Lucile! If you don’t know her, you’re in for a treat (and if you do, you’ll expect the best, and not be disappointed). AND she’s in Portugal!

Walking through Sights and colours of Lisbon

Introducing a blog called MyScribblez next. All scribblers amongst you, please pop over and say ‘hi’ :

Quebec on Foot

Drake likes the ladies, especially in an artful pose :

Blooming nudity

The scenery around Greenock is a nice surprise. Take a look with Anabel :

The Greenock Cut

You won’t be surprised to find that Jackie likes shopping :

St. Lawrence Market

Or that Ellen has a badly behaved dinghy? Maybe it’s been reformed since this post :

Going for a Walk : Coromandel Town (or Coro pies are best)

Smidge has some nice romantic looking photos from the Scottish Borders :

Dryburgh Abbey & The River Tweed

And Susan… how about close encounters with a good-looking cow or two?

Sadie’s Walk

Denzil got up at the crack of dawn for this walk, so he deserves your appreciation :

GR571 Stage 4 : Trois-Ponts to Vielsam

And getting me nicely in the mood for the Algarve- thanks a lot, Becky! Your place or mine?

Exploring the Grande Rota do Guadiana

That’s it folks! Thanks again for all the shares and for the pleasure you give me. Take care of yourselves.

Jo’s Monday walk : Wildfowl Waddle and Glide

Bearing in mind how energetic we were last Monday, I thought that something a little more sedate might suit today. Hardwick Hall Country Park in Sedgefield, County Durham, is just the place for a gentle stroll. But that’s not the whole story. You are probably familiar with my challenging friend, Jude. Chided to nurture my photographic skills in capturing wildlife, and NOT cheat with inanimate objects, what else could I do?

Clutching the dregs of a box of cornflakes, off I went. The helpmate had to come too, of course, to obligingly scatter the cornflakes as I poised for action. And action there was, aplenty! It seems that swans are extremely efficient hoovers when it comes to cornflakes.

We used to come to this park when my son was small. Many battles were fought in the crumbling old fort- some of them just to get him out of there, and home again. Nobody much seems to clamber in it these days. Just the odd duck. A bit of a waste, really.

A park for all seasons, I’ve brought you here a time or two before. Remember the duck decoy? And there are quirky sculptures, too. But fundamental to it all is the lake. Canada Geese may pretend ownership, but the swans glide imperiously by, cocking a snooty beak.

There are several smaller ponds, beloved of the coots playing hide and seek among straggling roots, and the soft shimmering reeds. The Temple of Minerva hints at mystery through the trees. Just one of the interesting sculptural aspects to this park.

Crossing over the Serpentine Bridge, the path leads to fens and a boardwalk. A new little bird hide has been installed, and our feathered friends are delighted to preen a little while they feast on nuts. We are equally delighted to quietly spectate.

I’m so used to seeing the folly of a Gothic Ruin that it no longer seems strange to me. Designed in the Palladian style, by architect James Paine, the gardens are an unusual example of 18th century landscape design. The cafe, however, is a stylish new build. That doesn’t prevent it from doing a very creditable old fashioned Victoria Sponge and Bakewell Tart. I did a good impersonation of those swans as I hoovered up my sizeable portion. Crumbs don’t make much of a photo, do they?

Hoping for a tiny morsel, a robin loitered nearby, teasingly out of camera range. So, I had to settle for a couple of very cute ducks.

You might have noticed that Jude has been breaking her own rules lately. Who better? Pop over and join in her Garden Challenge. You have until the end of March to post some Wildlife. Meantime let’s put the kettle on. Time to settle in for a good read.

Huge thanks to all my contributors for joining me again this week. I love having your company, whether you’re a walker or not. Please feel free to send me a walk. The details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page or click on the logo above.

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Lots of happy and willing sharers again this week. Let’s get Smidge to start us off :

A weekend in the Clyde Valley : New Lanark and the Elphinstone Hotel

I don’t know why but paddles and Mersey come to mind? Strange brain I have! Sorry, Debs!

Across the Forth without a Ferry

Serene in New Zealand this week, with Ellen and a few cows!

Going for a Walk : Motutapu Walkway

South of the Border, one last time (sob!), with Jackie :

Bucerias, Mexico

To the beach with Amy, enjoying the beauty, as she always does :

Monday Walk : Rockport Beach, Texas

Being ‘sinister’ with Anabel in Scotland? No, not really!

Irvine and the Scottish Maritime Museum

Liesbet doesn’t make the leap, so don’t worry! Maybe another time?

A Walk in Lover’s Leap State Park, CT

Feeling social this week? Please go along and say ‘hi’ to Joan :

Having a Social Hike with absolutely Blissful Views

Such a pretty sequence of images! Meet BiTi from Pret-a-Vivre online magazine :

Our first walk together in 2016

And, as ever, along comes Drake to brighten the day :

Pics up last Summer

Closely followed by Elisa and Dumbo- not the Disney favourite!

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

My friend Meg will love this next walk, so thank you, Susan, for making us both happy :

Rock Walk

Richard is standing up for Cornish walks and beaches. Jude will be very happy with that :

Best walks with a view : Trevone to St. Merryn

And, in case you missed the link at the start of my post, here’s the lady herself :

Garden Portrait : Knightshayes Court

That’s it for another week. I hope to have a post for you on Easter Monday but I haven’t quite decided where yet. My daughter and husband are arriving on Thursday evening, so I’m busy and excited. I hope the weather allows you to get out and about, but if not there’s always chocolate. Have a wonderful time!

Jo’s Monday walk : Springtime in Shincliffe

“Where will I find a crocus walk?” I asked my garden expert husband. “I’ve searched the web and can’t find one anywhere!” He gave me one of those looks, and said “You can’t find one, because there isn’t one. You’ll have to make do with snowdrops.” Now, I have nothing against snowdrops. Most years I visit our local snowdrop walk, in Greatham village. I simply felt a need for the uplifting surge of crocus colour.

Never one to let me down, as we drove towards Durham he said thoughtfully, “What about Shincliffe Village?” It seemed like a good idea.

We parked in Durham and walked out along the river- a direction we’ve taken many times before. From nowhere, one of those sparkling Spring days had materialised. Rowing teams skulled by vigorously, and the whole world seemed to have taken up sport. A university town, Durham has no shortage of able-bodied youth to indulge in running, throwing and kicking a ball.

One side of the river is still barriered off, following a serious landslide a year or so ago. I was delighted to see that work has finally started on the precarious river bank. The path will be open again to walkers. A gentle sun filtered through bare branches, reflecting ethereally in the river.

Out beyond the extensive sports facilities, the path meets the A177 at Shincliffe Bridge. Cross over the busy road carefully and you reach ‘The Rose Tree’- a pub with an inviting beer garden. A sign directs you to Shincliffe Village. As you enter the village, you’ll see the Poplar Tree garden centre. Always busy, I’m never sure if the plants or the tea rooms are the main attraction. Beyond this point no-one but the inhabitants of the village seem to venture. Which is a great shame, unless of course you are a villager and value your peace and quiet.

Did I mention crocuses? I had a real treat in store. And not only the crocus, but a bevy of Spring beauty.

Shincliffe is regarded as one of the most affluent villages in Durham, according to Wikipedia. Which is a pity as I could quite see myself living there. I was surprised to find that the Anglo-Saxon origin of the name Shincliffe means ‘steep hill of evil spirits’. The history of the village goes back to Roman times, when there is thought to have been a ford where Shincliffe Bridge now spans the River Wear.

In the Middle Ages Shincliffe belonged to the Prior of Durham Cathedral. It was a largely agricultural community until coal mining came to the area, with a resulting expansion. I was unaware that Shincliffe had had a railway station, but it was in fact Durham’s first. It opened in 1839, as part of the line to Sunderland, but closed again in 1893. The closure of the colliery meant a dwindling population. Shincliffe today is a gentle haven, seeming to have not a care in the world.

A small green leads to a row of raised houses, set back from the road. Originally the Durham to Stockton road ran right through the village. The post office would have been a busy place then. Now it’s a private residence. In 1826 a tithe barn was consecrated to become a Chapel of Ease for the community. It proved a little too cold and draughty, and in 1866 became the Rectory.

John Wesley is known to have preached in Shincliffe in 1780, and in 1874 a Methodist (Wesleyan) chapel was opened- the pretty one in the photos. The parish church, St. Mary the Virgin, was only completed in 1851. Snowdrops swaddled the graveyard in a soothing white blanket. I lingered, reading a few headstones and admiring the rose coloured church doors.

I peered through the windows of the Seven Stars Inn rather longingly. It was already lunchtime but my husband had to get back for an appointment. Go and press your nose up against their menu. You might be tempted. Alternatively, try the Brambles tea rooms at the garden centre, or maybe The Rose Tree. For me, it’s a swift walk back along the river, but not before I look for Shincliffe Hall. A sign points to it, down a private road. But it’s by invitation only.

There are some interesting snippets of village history, if you’re minded that way, under the link ‘steep hill of evil spirits’. Shincliffe is easy to find from the city of Durham. Do you know of a ‘crocus walk’ near you? I hope you enjoyed mine. Spring is wonderful, isn’t it?

Many thanks to all of you who keep me company each week. I do appreciate you looking over my shoulder and enjoying the view. If you’d like to join in with a walk of your own, you’d be very welcome. Details are on my Jo’s Monday walks page. Just click on the logo above.

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The joy of having a son. Ask Jesh- she’ll tell you!

Going The Distance

Anabel’s found a mural by one of my favourite street artists :

Saints and sinners : a Glasgow urban walk

Smidge had me packing my bags to head for the Borders with this post :

St Abbs, Scottish Borders

Jackie is STILL strolling around in Mexico! Would you credit it?

Around Puerto Vallarta

Amy has some ravishing gardens for us this week :

Monday Walk : Selby Gardens

Two ‘newbies’ up next! Please say a big hello to Liesbet :

Walking and Seeing the Real Berkshires in Connecticut

And then please meet slightly offbeat sailor Ellen!

Going for a walk in search of Wild Pigs

If you don’t mind getting awfully wet, you might like a ‘walk’ with Jaspa?

Climbing Jamaican Waterfalls

Or maybe an adventure in the desert with Drake would suit you better?

Amazing outskirts

Perhaps you’d like to see another side to Geoff? You’ll have to go and look. I can’t give the game away!

To the woods, to the woods

While Denzil tries his hand (or feet?) at long distance walking :

GR571 : Comblain-au-Pont to Aywaille

Paul does some amazing things with the Scottish countryside :

RAW around the edges. A day at Loch Leven

And lastly, Lee Ann shows us some of beautiful Brisbane :

Southbank Gardens of Friendship

Hope you enjoyed all the contributions. They’re fantastic, aren’t they? Many thanks again for your lovely company. Have a great week!.

Jo’s Monday walk : Rocha da Pena

Some walks are a really hard act to follow. After last week’s Almond Blossom Trail, in blissful sunshine, I was really looking forward to taking you to the heights of Rocha da Pena. I envisioned the landscape, dropping away below me, and my eyes gazing far out to sea. Unfortunately, the dismal cloud wrapped around the rock had other ideas. Every day in the Algarve cannot be paradise, can it? But what I can offer you is good company, some wonderful plant species, and… oh, yes- cake! What’s a little drizzle between friends?

The drive out into the Algarve countryside is beautiful in itself. A little challenging, and you do have to like hairpin bends. This is another walk that features in the Walking Trails in the Algarve, (p.72) and once you arrive the signage is good. The walk begins beside a cafe, Bar das Grutas, and a strong coffee is just the thing to set you up. Don’t expect a smile from the proprietor, however. Or maybe it was just the weather! Taking a look at those clouds, I think we’d better get going!

It’s uphill, of course, but not too steep, and there’s plenty to hold your interest. Plants nestle in unsuspected places. I’m walking with a group and every now and then a voice sings out ‘don’t miss this one!’ I’m being teased a little, but I like it. The challenge is to keep up with the group, yet still record my individual delights.

There are a few signboards, pointing out things of interest, and I’m reminded of the fires that swept this mountain range, soon after we’d bought our Algarve home. Driving along the coast, or even down on the beach, a black pall of smoke could be seen on the horizon. It must have been terrifying to be up here, as the fires raged for 4 days, in 2004. Hard to imagine on this moist day, when so much has renewed and revitalised.

I’m soon on the hunt for the wild bee orchids which, I discover, like this predominantly calcareous outcrop. I can’t be cross with the weather when I learn that late January/early February is the perfect time to see them, rain or shine. The plateau rises to a height of 479 metres at Talefe, which roughly translates as ‘trig point’. All this richness and diversity has led to the Rocha being a ‘Special Protected Area’, by law.

The boards also refer to narcissus calcicola, which I take to be a simple daffodil. I’m wildly excited when I come upon a carpet of these tiny beauties, so much smaller than any I have seen before. I think I probably have more than one variety here.

Up on the heights, with the daffodils, lie the remains of a defensive stone wall, believed to date back to the Iron Age. It’s been attributed to Celtic people who lived on the Iberian peninsula in pre-Roman times. (6th-1st century BC)

There are caves you can explore, currently inhabited by two locally endangered species of bat. The largest cave, known as ‘Moor’s Grotto’, was used as a final desperate refuge in the 13th century, according to legend. The Almohad Moors tried to hide there, before being slain by the Portuguese troops of King Afonso III.

After a speck or two of drizzle, a tantalising glimpse of hazy sunlight appears in the distance, as we drop back down the trail. I look wistfully towards the open door of an unlikely ‘Mini Museum’ in the village of Penina, quietly going about it’s business. But my walking friends have lunch firmly in mind. No loitering allowed! I guess I’ll have to come back, on a sunnier day, and perhaps do the walk in reverse.

If you’re thinking you’ve seen that door before somewhere, it was one of many in Life is full of choices. Within a matter of minutes we’re back to our start point, and not a moment too soon as the skies open. The Bar das Grutas supplies food, but we hop into cars and head for the village of São Romão, near São Bras de Alportel, where we have a reservation. A warm welcome awaits us at Cafe Correia. And cake, of course!

I’m including a link to an excellent website, Walk Algarve, where you will find full details of the geology, and flora and fauna to be found at Rocha da Pena, with a little more history. And now, that cake’s made me thirsty. Time to put the kettle on.

Thanks everybody for keeping me company on my walks, and for entertaining me with yours. I hope you enjoyed this one and, if you have a walk you’d like to share, details can be found on my Jo’s Monday walks page. Just click on the logo above.

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I’m not a huge fan of snow but if anything could persuade me… Anabel just might :

Canadian Rockies : Lake Louise

And Colline gave it a good try! Canada definitely seems to be the place for it :

A Walk in the Snow

Come over to the ‘dark side’ with Drake? He does it beautifully!

Abandoned walk

Congratulate Jesh? She deserves it!

A Short Diversion

Me and Jackie, still singing, down Mexico way! And why wouldn’t we?

Monday walk : Guadalajara

Jaspa does go to some fascinating places! I’d really like to visit this one :

The Templar Tunnels of Acre, Israel

A little summertime warmth, Down Under, with Rosemay would be good too :

The French Connection : Bunker Bay

Geoff and his dog go bounding through the sand dunes!

Life’s a Beach#glorioussuffolk

While Snowdon Student takes a break from his studies to head for the hills again :

Relaxing by Llyn Idwal

Jude is busy getting ready to move to Cornwall, but still found time to share. That’s a friend for you!

Scrobbesbyrig/Shrewsbury : Town Trail Part 1

It looks a bit busy in Macau, for me. Anyone been there? Thanks, Lee Ann!

A stroll through the Old Town of Macau

Pauline gave me an early morning nudge this morning!

Early morning beach walk

I’m well and truly re-acclimatised to the UK again. Not sure where to take you next week, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be walking somewhere. Many thanks again, and I hope you all have a great week!

Jo’s Monday walk : São Lourenço Trail

Nothing special this week. Just a short walk in the Algarve and a reminder that I will not be here to post a walk next week. I probably won’t have time to respond to many of you before I go, either, so I’ll have to crave your indulgence. You know I’ll catch you up when I’m back, don’t you?

In all honesty, I was a little disappointed in this section of the São Lourenço Trail but there were compensations. It borders affluent Quinta do Lago, and appears to be used largely by joggers and cyclists, between rounds of golf. I approached the trail from the beach, crossing over the salt flats via the Ponte de Ancao, an extremely long foot bridge, easily visible when you fly over the Algarve.

The last time I was in this neighbourhood I had turned left after the bridge, and been astounded at the beauty of the saltwater lake stretching before me. So I had high hopes on my return. A right turn after the bridge had me skirting the edge of a golf course, the salt marsh squidging at my toes. The tide was out, but it was obvious that when it came in, some of the trail would be underwater and a little paddling might be required. A good reason not to loiter, but it was not very obvious to me which was the trail.

This new-looking red dust cycle track proved to be a false start. It led far into the distance, towards the airport, and seemed very popular with birdwatchers. Solid benches along the way attracted couples with binoculars, focused on the watery world. An about face proved necessary.

It was immediately apparent that I should have stuck close to the golf course, on a much more beaten track. I retraced my steps and headed into a stand of pines. Beyond them, a small lake was overlooked by a two-storey bird hide.

I spent a little while in the bird hide, enjoying the antics of the waterfowl, but I forgot to look for the two species of native terrapin. Azure-winged magpie are a common enough sight in Portuguese woods. The trail ends at some rather unprepossessing Roman ruins, former salting tanks used for the preservation of fish. A signboard describes the process.

Time to retrace my steps the brief distance back to the bridge, the tide not having advanced too far. It was a warm day for late November and I had neglected to bring water. The price of my folly was high. I did say that this was wealthy Quinta do Lago, didn’t I? The cost of my glass of white at Gigi’s bar made me wince, but there was nowhere else in sight. I stayed as long as possible to gain maximum value from the view.

This is walk no. 42 from Walking Trails in the Algarve, a book I’ve used previously. Remember Carrapateira? Full details of how to get there, complete with maps, are shown in the guide.

And that’s it from me. I’m publishing this a little early to give me a head start, but I hope you’ll still put the kettle on and settle in for a good read.

As always, huge thanks to my contributors, and to those of you who just enjoy keeping me company. Details of how to join in can be found on my Jo’s Monday walk page, with a click on the logo above. Remember though, I’ll be missing next week.

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Lots of snow about the blogs this week! Start us off, Anabel!

Mugdock in the snow

But we can hop aboard the Royal Yacht and keep warm with Smidge :

The Royal Yacht and Gormley’s 6 times

Or head for San Diego with Amy :

Monday Walking: Ringling Museum

Jackie’s still got plenty of sunshine too :

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Meet Susan, everybody! She’s new to my walks so please make her welcome :

Discovering Street Art in Astoria, Queens

This week Debbie brings us a fascinating tower and observatory in Copenhagen :